The Generation of Low-Energy Cosmic Rays in Molecular Clouds

Abstract

Arguments are presented in support of the idea that the total energy losses of cosmic rays passing through molecular clouds can exceed the energy production due to the action of shocks in supernovae. Galactic cosmic rays interacting with the surface layers of molecular clouds can be efficiently reflected, so that they do not penetrate into the depths of the clouds. Low-energy cosmic rays (E < 1 GeV) that can produce the primary ionization of the molecular-cloud gas can be generated inside such clouds by numerous shocks arising due to supersonic turbulence.